Dorkie vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison | MyDogBreeds

Dorkie vs Australian Terrier - Breed ComparisonDorkie is originated from United States but Australian Terrier is originated from Australia. Both Dorkie and Australian Terrier are having almost same height. Both Dorkie and Australian Terrier are having almost same weight. Both Dorkie and Australian Terrier has almost same life span. Both Dorkie and Australian Terrier has almost same litter size. Dorkie requires Low maintenance. But Australian Terrier requires Moderate maintenance

History

dorkie - historyDorkie Terriers originate from the United States of America. The small Dorkie, a cross between the Dachshund and the Yorkshire Terrier has a short history, unlike the two dog breeds that were bred to bring him about.

These dog breeds were both used for hunting small animals but the Dorkie today is essentially a companion dog. The International Designer Canine Association started recording registration of the Dorkie from 2009.

australian terrier - historyThe Australian terrier, the little terrier, is a breed developed to control vermin. The nature of this dog is very spirited. They are alert, courageous and self-confident but still very human-friendly.

Australian terriers were breed by the mix of the Terrier with the rough coat and Scotch Dog of Great Britain. These breeds were mixed until they produced the muscular and fearless dog for the Australian settlers. Their primary job was to control the number of rodents and snakes. They were taught to tend flocks, be an excellent guard dogs but remain friendly. This breed is still very popular as a working dog, loyal companion and dogs for show, city, home or a farm.

Description

dorkie puppy - descriptionThe Dorkie is a small hybrid breed standing at 13 – 23cm in height and weighing 2 – 6kg. The Dorkie mostly comes with long, straight hair but there are however Dorkies who have the short hair of the Dachshund.

The Dorkie is hypoallergenic, making them the ideal pet for allergy sufferers. They have floppy ears, a long body and short legs. The tail is long and furry. Most times they come in the Yorkshire Terrier colors of black and tan, but this can also vary.

Temperament:

The Dorkie is a loving, loyal, happy little dog who makes an excellent family dog. Although he isn’t looked upon as your typical lap dog, it is what he is really, as he loves nothing more than to be curling up on your lap or as close to you as he can get.

He loves spending time with his human family and is a social, extrovert kind of dog. Because he is also alert, he will do a good job of alerting his family to danger. He is good with children, but because of his smallness, rough children will need to be careful in rough and tumble games as he could get injured.

Even with a small dog like this, he will need training and socialization otherwise he can become a yapper, which comes from the Dachshund side. Training makes him obedient and relaxed around visitors in the home, and because he is an intelligent breed, he is easy to train and is a great dog for first time dog owners.

australian terrier puppy - descriptionThe Australian terrier has body longer than they are tall. They are small dogs with the long and thick coat with silky undercoat and short little legs. This smart-eyes breed is perfect for persons who live indoors. But, you must know that they really like to bark and communicate that way with everybody. They also have a high need for activity so it will be necessary to take him out so he can run, play and be social with other dogs. They are very intelligent, but not very responsive. They will quickly learn how to fetch, but they will have days when they just feel like fetching.

Characteristics

dorkie dog - characteristicsDorkies are easy going little dogs and adapt easily to life in the city or in the country.

Ideally they are inside dogs, feeling happy and content around their human family. They love adults and children and will get on well with other pets in the home too.

They are quite active little dogs and will thrive on games inside the home or outside in the garden. He may be small, but you can put him on a leash and take him for walks.

They make excellent pets and are only too happy to become a devoted and loyal family member of yours.

Around children

australian terrier dog - characteristicsThe Australian terrier is very good breed to choose if you have children. They are active and always ready to play, and they will protect the children since they have watchdog gene.

Special talents

Excellent watch dog. This breed will keep your garden and home vermin free.

Adaptability

They are generally very polite towards strangers and highly adaptable among other dogs, but their adaptability in social life is totally up to the human and the training. They can grow to be adaptable dogs that fit well into almost any environment; city or country, house or apartment.

Learning ability

Since they are an intelligent breed, the Australian terrier may surprise you with their ability to learn new tricks and shock you with their ability to be very strong willed about doing what is told. It’s not that they are not the type to obey and be “a good dog”, they are so playful and silly that they will often forget that they are the god and not the human. You must start training them while they are still pups.

Health Problems

dorkie puppies - health problemsThe Dorkie, being a cross-breed, is a healthy dog and with good care can live t be 10 – 13 years of age. Nonetheless he is still prone to genetic problems and he can inherit traits from both parents.

Diet and Obesity:

A healthy diet will be needed to maintain the Dorkie’s health. You don’t want to overfeed your Dorkie, more so because he is a small dog.

The way you feed a dog can have a massive impact on his health and longevity. Just remember that a dog that is obese will battle to exercise, but also obesity can result in serious health problems, putting strain on the bones and joints too.

You don’t want to feed your dog day after day with kibble, and adding in some cooked rice, vegetables and chicken can just give him a more varied diet. Raw meat can also be included from time to time. Always ensure that there is fresh, cool water available to him.

Skin Allergies:

The most common symptoms of an allergy is skin irritation – your pet will be constantly scratching and licking. Some skin conditions with your Dorkie can be cleared up quickly while some might be so severe as to require lifelong treatment.

Legg-Calvé-Perthes (LCPD)

australian terrier puppies - health problemsA bone disorder, where the hip joint starts to rot caused by decaying of the femur bone which is located in the dog’s hind limb.

Luxating patella is a knee disease where one or both kneecaps can slip out of place.

Cruciate ligament rupture

Rupture of an important ligament in the knee (stifle) joints.

Epilepsy

The brain disorder that is characterized by seizures. There are several different types of epilepsy that can affect dogs.

Diabetes

A chronic disease of the metabolism which is characterised as high glucose amount in the blood. This happens when hormone insulin drops below the normal values. This condition results in malfunction of vital organs.

Caring The Pet

Diet:

dorkie dogs - caringWhat you feed your pet can play an important role in managing health and skin conditions. Speak to your vet about special quality dog foods that can help reduce skin conditions and other nasty reactions to common, unhealthy food ingredients.

Grooming:

Dorkies are very low maintenance dogs, and they will require a brushing every 2 weeks. Those with longer coats may require some professional grooming. Check their teeth regularly and brush them 2 or 3 times a week. The occasional nail clipping may also be required.

Feeding the puppy and adult

australian terrier dogs - caringRecommended daily amount is usually found on the type of the food you choose. They like dry food, and if you are not quite sure what brand of the dry food you should choose, seek a vet’s advice. The Australian terrier has a healthy appetite, but he almost never overeats. How much your Australian terrier eats depends on his size, age, metabolism, and activity level.

Grooming

Their coat requires moderate maintenance. That means that you don’t have to groom your Australian terrier every single day, but being aware of the importance of grooming him at least twice a week is a key because lack of adequate care may lead to skin diseases. Make sure not to bathe them too much, but you can be free with their haircut. They can grow very sharp toenails, so they should be clipped regularly. Ear and teeth must be kept clean.

Points for Good Health

Lots of outdoor activity. They are lovable kind, so don’t be reserved towards them. It’s important to begin training and socializing your pup as soon as possible. Training sessions need to be consistent, firm, short and clear. Grooming is a must since you will want to prevent the tangles and mats.

The best type of activity

Find a place for them where you can take of the leash and let them run free. They love chasing birds, butterflies and anything that flies above. They will chase small rodents, other dogs and cats. After you thought you Australian terrier how to play with other dogs and cats, they will be the most wanted guest in the whole neighbourhood. Find a place where they can dig holes – and they will be so happy that they probably won’t hear you calling them home.

Basic Information

Group:
Toy dog
Terrier dog
Origin:
United States
Australia
Height Male:
13 - 23 cm
5 - 10 inches
23 - 26 cm
9 - 11 inches
Height Female:
13 - 23 cm
5 - 10 inches
20 - 26 cm
7 - 11 inches
Weight Male:
2 - 6 kg
4 - 14 pounds
5 - 8 kg
11 - 18 pounds
Weight Female:
2 - 6 kg
4 - 14 pounds
5 - 7 kg
11 - 16 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 13 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 5
2 - 6
Size:
Small dog
Small dog
Other Names:
Dorkie Terrier
Blue and Tan Terrier, the Blue Terrier, the Broken-coated Terrier, the Australian Rough Coated Terrier, Aussie
Colors Available:
Black and tan
blue, tan, sandy and red variations
Coat:
Short to long hair
rough long coat
Shedding:
Minimal
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Sweet
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Playful, Protective, Social, Stubborn
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
Yes
Yes
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Boston Terrier vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  2. Jack Russell Terrier vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  3. Miniature Schnauzer vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  4. Cairn Terrier vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  5. Border Terrier vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Rat Terrier vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  7. Scottish Terrier vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  8. Australian Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Patterdale Terrier vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  10. American Hairless Terrier vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  11. Bull Terrier Miniature vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  12. Norwich Terrier vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  13. Norfolk Terrier vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  14. English White Terrier vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  15. Parson Russell Terrier vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  16. Russell Terrier vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  17. Feist vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  18. Manchester Terrier vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  19. Dandie Dinmont Terrier vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  20. Miniature Fox Terrier vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Cesky Terrier vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  22. Glen of Imaal Terrier vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  23. Schnorkie vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  24. Sealyham Terrier vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  25. Chilean Fox Terrier vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Pomeranian vs Dorkie - Breed Comparison
  27. Maltese vs Dorkie - Breed Comparison
  28. Pug vs Dorkie - Breed Comparison
  29. Maltipoo vs Dorkie - Breed Comparison
  30. Papillon vs Dorkie - Breed Comparison
  31. Japanese Chin vs Dorkie - Breed Comparison
  32. Miniature English Bulldog vs Dorkie - Breed Comparison
  33. Italian Greyhound vs Dorkie - Breed Comparison
  34. Jug vs Dorkie - Breed Comparison
  35. Miniature Pinscher vs Dorkie - Breed Comparison
  36. Dorkie vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  37. Dorkie vs Cockapoo - Breed Comparison
  38. Dorkie vs Cavapoo - Breed Comparison
  39. Dorkie vs Cavachon - Breed Comparison
  40. Dorkie vs Bolognese - Breed Comparison
  41. Dorkie vs Australian Silky Terrier - Breed Comparison
  42. Dorkie vs Dorgi - Breed Comparison
  43. Dorkie vs Belgian Griffon - Breed Comparison
  44. Dorkie vs Carlin Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  45. Dorkie vs Bospin - Breed Comparison
  46. Dorkie vs Bantam Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  47. Dorkie vs Damchi - Breed Comparison
  48. Dorkie vs Cyprus Poodle - Breed Comparison
  49. German Spitz (Klein) vs Dorkie - Breed Comparison
  50. Doxiepoo vs Dorkie - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds